FRANKLIN, Mass. – September 28, 2022 – The Dean College women's volleyball team fell to six-time defending Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) champion Johnson & Wales, 3-0, on Wednesday evening. The Wildcats won by scores of 25-13, 25-21 and 25-22.  

Dean (2-14, 0-4 GNAC) continues conference action on Friday with a tri-match hosted by Norwich. The Bulldogs will play the Cadets and the University of Saint Joseph (Conn.). Johnson & Wales (5-5, 1-0 GNAC) hosts a tri-match on Saturday against GNAC foe Regis and non-conference opponent Salve Regina.

Dean received a match best nine kills from senior Sari Albury (Nassau, Bahamas). She added four block assists. First-year Skylar Raskevitz (Easthampton, Mass.) had a team best 10 digs. Junior setter Bella Driscoll (Plymouth, Mass.) finished with 15 assists, six digs and a couple of kills.

JWU's balanced attack had three players record eight kills. Junior Sarah Miller (Scarborough, Ontario), junior Peyton Oliver (Ramsey, N.J.) and sophomore Masina Tupea (Aiea, Hawaii) totaled 24 of the team's 40 kills. First-year Daniela Rank (New Albany, Ohio) registered seven kills on .778 hitting. First-year Nicole Abril (Kissimmee, Fla.) picked up a match-high 11 digs.

The Bulldogs hung tough early in the first set to trail 5-4. JWU then used a 5-0 spurt to pull away and go on for the 25-13 win. Oliver had four kills for the Wildcats.

Dean took a 5-3 lead in the second set, but JWU responded with seven straight points, including three aces by Oliver, to take a 10-5 lead. The Bulldogs showed resiliency and chipped away, eventually pulling within 21-18. JWU was able to hold on for the 25-21 win after a Rank kill clinched the set. Albury had five kills for the Bulldogs.

The third set featured several ties and lead changes. The score was tied as late as 20-20. Oliver and Rank carried the Wildcats to the finish line as the visitors came away with the 25-22 win.